The PlayStation 5 remains a top-tier gaming console in 2025, though it's a significant investment. The standard PS5 starts at $399, while the more powerful PS5 Pro is priced at $699, so it's a purchase that requires some financial planning. For fans eager to play exclusive titles like Stellar Blade and Astro Bot, it's an investment well worth making. Beyond gaming, the PS5 excels as a 4K media streaming device for your TV. The good news is that discounts and bundled offers for the PlayStation 5 do appear throughout the year if you time your purchase right.
Whether you're interested in the PS5 Slim or the high-performance PS5 Pro, we've identified the best times to buy a PlayStation 5 in 2025 and the coming years. From major holidays to dedicated sales events, there are numerous opportunities to snag a deal. While promotions vary by retailer, we've highlighted the key events to watch. Essentially, the ideal time to buy a PlayStation 5 is when it's either discounted or comes bundled with a free game, so mark these sale periods on your calendar to secure the best value.
Note: Due to potential changes in U.S. trade policy, now might be an opportune moment to buy video game hardware. The current suspension on import tariffs is scheduled to end on August 12, 2025. If tariffs are reinstated, the cost of products manufactured overseas could see a significant price increase.
When Is the Best Time to Buy a PS5?
Black Friday and Cyber Monday
For the best chance at a discounted PlayStation 5, target Black Friday or Cyber Monday. These annual shopping holidays follow Thanksgiving in November, with Black Friday 2025 falling on November 28. This event traditionally features in-store promotions at major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, Best Buy, and Target. Some of the most attractive PlayStation 5 offers are often exclusive to physical stores on Black Friday.
Running concurrently is Cyber Monday, which takes place on the Monday after Black Friday—this year, that's December 2. Cyber Monday is focused on online deals, particularly for electronics, and we anticipate substantial PlayStation 5 promotions based on previous years.
In recent years, Black Friday sales have expanded into a season-long event, stretching from several weeks before the actual day to several weeks after, effectively covering the entire holiday period. This is when you'll typically find major PlayStation 5 bundles and significant discounts on a wide range of PS5 games. If you're looking to purchase both the console and games on a budget, Black Friday is unquestionably the most advantageous time of the year.
Amazon Prime Day
Amazon Prime Day is another prime opportunity to buy a PlayStation 5 each year. The event also frequently includes deep discounts on numerous PS5 games, allowing you to build your library. Competing retailers often run simultaneous sales, increasing the likelihood of finding a compelling PlayStation 5 deal. These competing promotions can sometimes manifest as extended Fourth of July sales or unexpected weekend discounts. If you can afford to wait, Prime Day is an excellent time to make your purchase.
Around Major Game Releases
Sony frequently creates special console bundles tied to its biggest game launches, including third-party exclusives like Final Fantasy XVI. These PlayStation 5 bundles are often discounted around a title's release to encourage new customers to buy the system and the game. Furthermore, these bundles often go on sale again a few months post-launch as Sony aims to clear remaining stock. Past bundles have included titles like Spider-Man 2 and NBA 2K25, with the latest offering featuring Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Throughout the Summer
Summer is another excellent season to buy a PlayStation 5. Following major industry events like Summer Game Fest, Sony and other retailers typically host sales to celebrate. These events feature discounts on games, accessories, controllers, and the consoles themselves. The annual PlayStation Summer Sale usually begins in July and extends into August, making it a great time to buy games as well. Note that this year's Days of Play sale has already concluded.
The late summer period is also advantageous, as retailers often clear out existing inventory of older console models to make room for new bundles arriving in the fall. This can lead to discounted prices on PlayStation 5 consoles and related items.
Should You Consider the PlayStation 5 Pro?
Modern gaming consoles typically have a lifecycle of six to eight years. The PlayStation 5 launched in November 2020, meaning we are already more than five years into this generation. Therefore, it's worth considering if investing in the PS5 Pro is the better long-term choice.
PlayStation 5 Pro
$699.00 at Amazon
Released in November 2024, the PlayStation 5 Pro comes with upgraded internal hardware. Its launch prompted price reductions on the standard PS5, including a $70 holiday discount on the PS5 Slim. If you're satisfied with the current game library and performance of the base PS5, watching for further price cuts is a budget-conscious strategy. However, if you want a console ready for the next wave of demanding games, it may be worthwhile to wait for Black Friday discounts and bundles on the PS5 Pro.
PlayStation 5 Slim
The PS5 isn't just one of the best gaming consoles available; it also functions as a high-quality Blu-Ray player for your movie collection.See it at Amazon
